Utah’s jobless rate for veterans improved from 4.9 percent in 2014 to 2.6 percent in 2015, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' (BLS) annual report. Only four other states had a lower rate than Utah.

“We are pleased to see the improved year-over veterans unemployment rate,” said Jon Pierpont, executive director at the Department of Workforce Services. “We are committed to implementing strategies that help all veterans obtain employment.”

Veterans labor force statistics are generated from BLS's monthly Current Population Survey. Utah’s Workforce Services works closely with the Department of Veterans and Military Affairs (VMA) to ensure supportive services are available to all veterans in Utah. These services to veterans include specialized workshops, programs that help apply skills obtained through military training to private sector occupations (the ACE program), and proactive outreach to veterans currently receiving unemployment insurance.

“Utah benefits from a strong partnership between multiple agencies collaborating to comprehensively serve veterans,” said Gary Harter, executive director of VMA. “We focus on supporting veterans, their family members, and those currently serving in the military to ensure they know of all the benefits available for them because of their service to our country.”